Dolpo, the Hidden valley is a land of mystery, scenery and peace is the natural embodiment of high passes, rare flora and fauna and vistas. Dolpo trek is dedicated to the ancient Bonpo religion, local to Dolpo and Tibet, is a memorable experience. The medicinal plant, Yarchagumba (Coerdiopsissinensis) a type of wild mushroom is found in abundance in this region. Extract from Yarchagumba is believed to significantly improve health and fitness. Dolpo is a rain shadow area which was first opened for trekking in 1991. Dolpo is protected by the Shey-Phoksundo National Park and lies to the north of the Dhaulagiri Range bordering the Tibetan Plateau. Here one can find a well-preserved ecosystem of plants and wildlife, including the blue sheep and the elusive snow leopard. The views of Kanjiroba peak, Phoksumdo Lake, and the Dhauligiri massif are some of the most rewarding moments of this trek.
Twenty-one day Jumla-Dolpo trek is a perfect blend of nature and culture. Jumla is dominated by Khas people whereas the Upper Dolpo region is the home of the Bhotiya and Sherpa people. The Jumla-Upper Dolpo region is completely a remote and hidden destination in the west where Nepal's most tranquil and natural beauty is still unexplored. The home of herbal land, unspoiled trans-Himalayan culture, Buddhist monuments, and unique human civilization at high altitude is worth a visit. Jumla-Dolpo trek is an unforgettable journey in every visitor's life. Observing different rain shadow landscapes with stunning mountain views, wild flowers, Himalayan blue sheep, snow leopards, and huge birds like the Himalayan griffon.
The Upper Dolpo trek from Jumla is a challenging trek that takes you to a highest altitude of 5360m. The Jumla Upper Dolpo Trek will offer all the major attractions of the region including SheyPhoksundo National Park, Phoksumndo Lake (3600m), splendid views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri massif, rich biodiversity, and local culture. Dolpo is the largest district in Nepal and is sparsely inhabited by Bhotiya and Sherpa people. It has the most pristine biodiversity that is home to such wild animals as snow leopard, red panda and Himalayan blue sheep. The district contains more Buddhist gomaps than anywhere in Nepal. Yatsher Monastery is the oldest and biggest monastery in Dolpo believed to have been established by Buddhist Guru Chogyal Pasang in the 13th century. The monastery has well preserved artefacts of statues, sacred manuscripts, masks and mural paintings. The legendary ‘The Snow Leopard’ was written by Peter Mathiessen based on his travel experience in Dolpo and the surrounding area. The movie Himalayan Caravan directed by Eric Valli was shot here in Dolpo and received worldwide acclaim and was even nominated for Oscar.
Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. You will be escorted to the airport for the flight to Nepalgunj which lies close to the Indian border in the western Terai. You stay overnight at lodge.
Fly to Jumla (2370m) and trek from Jumla to Gothi chaur (2700m). This morning you fly from Nepalgunj to Jumla. Leaving the airport at Jumla, you cross the Tila Khola and the Chaudabise Khola near their confluence and climb gradually to a fertile valley of rice terraces. The trail continues through several villages before passing through a forest of maple and walnut to a meadow which, in season, is covered in wildflowers. Beyond the meadow, the trail climbs to a small pass before descending again to Gothi Chaur. You stay overnight in camp.
Trek from Gothi Chaur to Naphukana (3080m). Today's walk follows the Tila Khola through fields of corn, potato, buckwheat and barley until the valley narrows and you enter a forest of oaks, spruce and maples. You pass through the village of Chotra with its typical Tibetan mani walls and a short distance come to another Tibetan-looking village, Naphukana. Above this village, there is a large gompa. You stay overnight in camp.
Trek from Naphukana to Chaurikot (3060m). From Naphukana the trail becomes steeper and climbs through a forest to a pass named Mauri Lagna [3820m]. From the pass there are views of snowy peaks to the north and east. Descending from the pass, the trail traverses a steep slope before dropping into a forest of pine and oak. You then enter the Bheri Valley and, after following the trail in and out of side valleys, you come to the village of Chaurikot. Your camp will be near the village.
Trek from Chaurikot to Bheri riverside (2610m). Continuing on to the village of Balasa you can see Kagmara peak on the horizon. The trail drops to a stream before climbing through a forest of walnut trees to a ridge. Passing through the apple orchards of Jyakot, you then descend to the village of Rimi before following a rocky trail down to the Bheri River. Your camp will be by the river.
Trek from Bheri riverside to Garpung khola (2900m). You stay on the west bank of the Bheri River, passing Hurikot and arrive at the entrance to the Shey Phoksumdo National Park. You then come to the confluence of the Garpung and Jagdula Rivers, which join to form the Bheri River, and follow the Garpung Khola. You stay overnight in camp.
Trek from Garpung Khola to Kagmara (3500m). You continue to follow the Garpung Khola, ascending slowly towards the Kagmara La. You stay overnight in camp.
Trek from Kagmara to Kagmara phedi (4000m). You now cross to the eastern side of the river and where the valley narrows, the river becomes a series of waterfalls. The trail climbs to a moraine below the Kagmara La and you make your camp among the boulders. The views from here of the surrounding peaks are magnificent. You stay overnight in camp.
Cross Kagmara La (5115m). You get an early start this morning and ascend alongside the Kagmara Glacier to the Kagmara La. This is a good place to spot the rare blue sheep. After a 900m descent, you reach the pastures of the Pungmo Khola Valley. You stay overnight in camp.
Trek to Pungmo. The trail now enters birch and juniper forests which soon give way to blue pine. Up the side valleys, there are views of Kanjirolba peak before you reach the fortress-like village of Pungmo, set amidst barley fields. You stay overnight in camp.
Trek from Pungmo to Phoksumdo Lake. You continue downstream to the national park headquarters at Sumduwa before joining the trail up the Phoksumdo Khola to Phoksumdo Lake. You climb through a forest of large cedars to the winter settlement of Palam and continue ascending through the open country to a ridge from which there are good views of the lake in the distance. Close by is a spectacular waterfall, the highest in Nepal. The trail then makes an initial descent before climbing gently to Ringmo village. After crossing a bridge below Ringmo, the trail continues northwards to the shores of Phoksumdo Lake. You stay overnight in camp.
Today is a rest day at Phoksumdo Lake which is known for its unusual greenish-blue coloring. It is overlooked on the western side, by a large snowy peak known as Kanjirolba or Kanchen Ruwa. A trail leads through a stand of juniper trees to an old dilapidated gompa which overlooks the lake. As well as Buddhist paintings and statues, there is also evidence of the ancient Bon-po religion within the temple and chapels. You stay overnight in camp.
Trek from Phoksundo Lake to Baga La phedi. You retrace your route as far as Ringmo and then follow trail eastwards through forests of juniper and blue pine. The trail follows the river up the valley to a waterfall and you will camp here at the base of the Baga La. You stay overnight in camp.
Cross Baga La (5090m) and trek to Numa La phedi (4800m). From your camp it's a steady 3 hour climb to the top of the Baga La, the second of the high passes. The descent is gradual at first but it soon drops steeply to a stream before ascending again to the foot of the Numa La. You stay overnight in camp.
Cross Numa La (5360m) and trek to Do (4100m). You continue climbing through arid country to the last of the high passes, the Numa La. It is marked by mani stones and, if it is a clear day, you can see as far as Dhaulagiri. The trail now descends past a huge mani wall to the Tarap region and you walk through the barley fields of the Tarap Valley to the settlement of Do. You stay overnight in camp.
Today is a rest day at Do which is the largest settlement in Tarap and has several gompas. On the ridge above the village is the Ri Bhunpa Gompa and just to the east, the village of Shipchhok has a Bon-po gompa which is certainly worth exploring. There are also opportunities to get great views of the valley and surrounding snow peaks from a number of nearby ridges. You stay overnight in camp.
Trek from Do to Lahini (3560m). This morning's walk is almost level and follows the river until it flows into a gorge. You enter the gorge which has large rose shrubs and other wildflowers, and after crossing and re-crossing the river numerous times you finally come to a flat expanse. You stay overnight in camp.
Trek from Lahini to Tarakot (2600m). The trail today is steep, narrow and dangerous as it clings to the cliffs. The bridges along here can often be washed out. Eventually, the valley widens and the route becomes easier as you approach the village of Khanigaon. You then climb high above the river before descending towards the Barbung Khola and the fortress village of Tarakot. You stay overnight in camp.
Trek from Tarakot to Dunai (2100m). You follow the Barbung Khola downstream along the south bank to the village of Lawan, before crossing to the north bank and walking for several more hours to Dunai. You stay overnight in camp.
Trek from Dunai to Juphal (2500m). From Dunai, you continue to follow the river downstream through Roop Ghar and Kala Gaura before climbing up through meadows to the airport at Juphal. Your final night's campsite will be near the airfield. You stay overnight in camp.
Fly from Juphal to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj. You catch an early flight to Nepalgunj and from there, a connecting flight back to Kathmandu.
Note: There are different categories of Hotels in Kathmandu ranging from budget to 5 star hotels. We are happy to arrange your hotel accommodation in Kathmandu as per your interest and budget. Please inform us in advance about the type or category or price range of hotel that you would like to stay in.
Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.
General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)
Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff
Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm
Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),
Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks
Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit
Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc
Additional items for camping trek:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses
Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.
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